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Is the Clarisonic worth it?

Chances are, if you’re reading this post, you’ve either purchased a Clarisonic already—or have at least thought about it at some point. Isn’t it?

They’re fast becoming as common among the skincare-savvy population but they aren’t cheap. The basic one will still set you back over $100.

The claims are extremely impressive:

It removes six times more dirt, oil and makeup than regular cleansing

It increase the absorption of your skincare products topically

It reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles

It helps clear up dry patches and even acne

Now, who wouldn’t want all of that?!

BUT… (why, there’s always a but?) Not every beauty product can be 100 percent true to its claims. I have come across users whose normally problem-free skin broke out when she started using it. And I’ve read testimonials and review from users whose skin got all dry and irritated.

Confused?? Well, the purpose of this post is to clear things up.

The Clarisonic isn’t an exfoliator—or is it?

This is the number one most confusing thing about the Clarisonic. Most people think it’s an exfoliator—but nowhere does the manufacturer claim that it is. In fact, the device is categorized as a cleansing system. It uses sonic technology, at a rate of 300 movements per second (wow!!) to clean your skin, but those movements are so crazy-fast that it just feels like a gentle vibration. You don’t get any pulling or tugging, and the bristles are so soft, especially if you use the “delicate” or “sensitive” brushes, that there’s nothing harsh or scratchy effect on your delicate facial skin.

You’ll still get a slight physical exfoliation because it’s a brush instead of your fingers. So if you’re not exfoliating at all, then even that alone can make a good difference in your skin. It’ll feel smoother and look more glowing, and your products will probably penetrate better since they don’t have to get through as many dead skin cells on the surface.

Why the Clarisonic might clear your acne?

Again, if you’re not exfoliating—but you get breakouts—then even the Clarisonic’s mild sonic action can be helpful in removing potentially pore-clogging dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells. Another reason it clears some people up quite dramatically is because they were not cleaning their skin properly. Trust me, it’s true. Ever wash your face the regular way, and then run a cotton pad doused with toner across it? Does it not blow you away how much dirt and makeup it picks up? That’s where this devise helps. It’s more effective at removing stuff from your pores than a normal cleansing procedure.

Does the Clarisonic over-stimulate your skin?

Here’s a reason why some people get adverse reaction like acne or irritation. For some people, even the gentle vibration of a Clarisonic can be pretty stimulating if their skin isn’t used to it. Especially if they’re pressing too hard into the skin when using it. You actually shouldn’t press at all, but most of us tend to do it instinctively.

Is there a solution? I’d say go slowly. If you know your skin is sensitive and freaks out easily, then gradually build up your usage frequency from once a week, to two or three times, and then eventually as often as twice daily if you want to. Remember! Slow and steady wins the race!

Should you use the Clarisonic if you’ve got sensitivity?

No two skins are same. So, it’s difficult to give an answer in a staple “Yes” or “No”..

Some say that you should avoid it, or only use it once a week max, if you have sensitive skin, which could include conditions like rosacea, eczema and acne… or a general tendency to redness and irritation.

Others say it actually helps these concerns, and won’t be a problem even if you’re using the device twice daily like the manufacturer recommends. Some claim it is a much better choice for them compared to potentially harsh cleansers and/or traditional exfoliants.

A good idea to check with your dermatologist first if you’ve got any sever issue. Keep that in mind when you’re introducing a Clarisonic (or frankly, ANY skincare product) into your existing regimen. To do a proper test, you want to only change one thing… not multiple things, because then you won’t know which product is the one that’s working.

Can the Clarisonic really help with pores and wrinkles?

I think the pore-reduction claim is stronger than the wrinkle one. No product can bring about a dramatic improvement in a short time. Since it cleans the skin well, the gradual clearing of congested pores will help in the overall appearance of the pores.

With wrinkles, this is how it can be explained. They’re claiming that when you don’t thoroughly cleanse away dirt, oil, makeup and dead skin cells, the weight of them can actually settle into your lines, making them look deeper. Hmmm… Does it make sense?

The difference between Clarisonic and other skincare brushes

Besides the fact that it’s the most expensive (Sigh!!) the difference is that the Clarisonic is more gentle. You can buy hand-held, non-oscillating skincare brushes and actually they’re not bad. I, frankly, wouldn’t recommend them for sensitive skin, but they’re a budget-friendly way of charging up your cleanser and getting more exfoliating benefits.